According to research, the software testing market exceeded $40 billion in 2020 and will grow more than 7% annually from 2021 to 2027. The main reasons are new developments in the IT sector. Automated testing ensures the efficient functioning of software products and saves time
to validate technological creations. Automation testing tutorial guides can help teams implement these practices effectively. Understanding what is automated testing is crucial for modern software development as it provides several benefits, including increased test coverage, faster feedback, and reduced human error.
Automated testing plays a pivotal role in continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipelines, where rapid and reliable testing is essential for maintaining code quality. By integrating automated tests into the development workflow, teams can quickly identify and fix defects, ensuring that each code change does not introduce new issues. This capability is particularly valuable in agile development environments, where frequent updates and iterations are common.
Furthermore, automated testing supports regression testing, ensuring that new changes do not negatively impact existing functionality. This is especially important for large and complex applications where manual testing would be too time-consuming and error-prone. With the help of an automation testing tutorial, teams can learn how to create and maintain automated test scripts that can be reused across multiple test cycles, saving both time and resources.
When beginning with automated testing, it’s essential to start with a few key test cases and ensure they run smoothly. As you gain confidence and expertise, gradually scale up to cover more scenarios. This approach minimizes initial complexity and helps you build a robust automation framework.Mykhailo PoliarushCEO, ZappleTech Inc.
In addition to improving efficiency, automated testing enhances test accuracy and reliability. Automated tests perform the same steps precisely every time they are executed, eliminating the inconsistencies that can occur with manual testing. This consistency leads to more reliable test results, making it easier to detect and address issues early in the development process.
Moreover, automated testing facilitates scalability, allowing teams to run extensive test suites on multiple platforms and configurations simultaneously. This capability is particularly beneficial for applications that need to support a wide range of devices, operating systems, and browsers. By automating these tests, organizations can ensure comprehensive coverage and compatibility without significantly increasing the testing effort.
In conclusion, understanding what is automated testing and utilizing automation testing tutorial guides can significantly benefit software development teams. Automated testing not only improves the efficiency and accuracy of the testing process but also supports continuous integration, regression testing, and scalability. As the software testing market continues to grow, the adoption of automated testing practices will be essential for organizations looking to deliver high-quality digital products in a competitive and rapidly evolving IT landscape.
Table of Contents
What automated testing is: features and levels
Digitalization and globalization of business processes have lowered the role of IT specialists in the testing process. Automation implies the use of special software to control and record the execution of tests. This method helps to check repetitive tasks automatically. A QA engineer must have good programming skills to create automated tests in Python, C#, or Java.
So what is automation testing in software testing? This term means simultaneous testing of several scenarios. The program is checked at different levels: code (unit tests and integration testing), API (if any), and GUI (user interface). Let’s analyze each type in more detail.
Graphical user interface testing
Graphical User Interface (GUI) testing focuses on validating the display and functionality from the user’s perspective. The GUI employs frameworks that enable the simulation of actions such as mouse clicks and keystrokes, and subsequently, the assessment of the program’s response. This process is often automated using scripts, making it an essential part of any automation testing tutorial. Understanding GUI testing is crucial when learning about automated testing and helps in answering the question, “What is automated testing?” as it demonstrates how automated tools interact with and test the visual elements of an application. The operation of the browser is imitated with various tools:
- simple ones: sending HTTP requests and parsing HTML code;
- advanced: using a browser engine in “headless” mode, for example, PhantomJS;
- complex: using drivers to control the browser, such as Selenium.
Code-driven testing
Testing one piece of code separately from the rest of the program (unit tests). This is done using classes like mocks and stubs. When testing, they block access to the database and disk, helping to validate the required function. Unit tests are suitable for code that has logic rather than many calls to other classes.
Integration tests are used to test particular elements of the system that contain modules. For example, actions with a post on a web page. When a post is saved, it appears in the database with tags and 0 comments. Adding a comment changes the value to 1.
Testing API
Testing interfaces that provide interaction with users or other digital products using special programs is crucial. If the application has an API (Application Programming Interface), it can be checked by sending previously generated requests and comparing the response with the previous one.
For those looking to delve deeper, an automation testing tutorial can provide detailed insights into this process. Additionally, understanding the fundamentals of what is automated testing will help in grasping how APIs are systematically verified for performance and reliability.
Candidates for Automation: Types of Testing
- Regression. Assumes running tests regularly. Automation reduces the time to complete identical test cases. Typically, scenarios are developed based on manual checks with successful results on identified defects. This approach is especially effective for services that require regular updates.
- Localization testing. Allows you to adapt a digital product to the national differences of each country. Includes adaptation of signs, units of measure, currency, time zone, and other components. Automation helps to speed up the testing of the required interface elements.
- Load. Determines the ability of an application to keep operating at an acceptable load. Automation of this testing type allows you to get results faster and reduce tool costs.
- Cross-browser and cross-platform. Verifies the operation of an application or website in different browsers and platforms. Automated testing involves a virtual machine and specialized online services. These methods make the process more versatile.
- Stressful. Shows how fast the application reacts to excessive loads. An automated approach helps to detect memory problems to capture the behavior of a digital product.
6 stages of automated testing
1. Choosing an action tool
When choosing an action tool for automation testing, the options depend on the development technologies being used. For example, QTP does not support Informatica. If a mobile application is being tested, the tool must execute appropriate scripts. For instance, Selenium is suitable for web applications, while tools like Ranorex Studio, Applium, Calabash, or Kobiton are ideal for products on Android and iOS.
Understanding the intricacies of each tool is essential. Selenium, for example, is an open-source tool that supports multiple browsers and operating systems, making it highly versatile for web applications. On the other hand, Ranorex Studio offers a comprehensive suite for desktop, web, and mobile applications, providing robust features for UI testing.
For mobile-specific testing, Applium is widely used for its ability to automate native, hybrid, and mobile web applications across both Android and iOS platforms. Calabash, though less commonly used today, offers excellent support for Cucumber, making it a good choice for behavior-driven development (BDD). Kobiton, with its cloud-based approach, allows testers to run scripts on real devices, enhancing the accuracy of test results.
For those new to this process, an automation testing tutorial can be incredibly beneficial in understanding how to select and use these tools effectively. Additionally, knowing what is automated testing helps in comprehending the importance of choosing the right tool for your specific testing needs. Tutorials and courses can guide you through the setup, execution, and analysis of automated tests, ensuring a thorough understanding of each tool’s capabilities and best practices.
Requirements and preliminary results should be determined using the Proof of Concept of Tool.
The selected tool must be checked for the following points:
- Identification and display of objects;
- Support for environments, frameworks, and various testing types;
- A mechanism for generating reports on tests and results;
- Cost and complexity of personnel training;
- Database testing and error recovery.
2. Determine the scope of automation
A company may work on several applications, but it is not necessary to use automatic methods for each. The software product should be in the early stages of its life cycle and have manual testing reports. Regression detection requires a stable application and test cases. The team will run scripts on every build to detect errors automatically.
The main thing is distinguishing the piece of code to be tested. It should be selected considering business functions, technical implementation capabilities, scenarios with a large database, and the complexity of test cases. Additionally, understanding what is automated testing will help in making informed decisions about which parts of the application should be automated. An automation testing tutorial can provide valuable insights into defining the scope of automation effectively, ensuring that the selected tests are those that will benefit most from automation.
Focusing on high-priority areas such as frequently used features, critical business processes, and areas prone to errors can optimize the automation efforts. It’s also essential to consider the maintainability of the automated tests and the resources required to develop and execute them. By carefully determining the scope of automation, companies can achieve more efficient and reliable testing processes.
3. Creation of a platform for automation
A framework is a set of rules and script planning. There are several types of them: linear, hybrid, data-driven, keyword-driven, and modular. They help improve test structure, enhance reusability, and reduce both maintenance and employee training costs. An automation testing tutorial can offer step-by-step guidance on setting up and using these frameworks effectively.
An automation architect develops a framework based on the project’s purposes. The main task is to provide automation of software product testing for as long as possible. This means that when updating some application functions, the scripts do not need to be changed. Understanding what is automated testing is crucial in this context, as it helps in designing frameworks that are robust and adaptable to changes.
Selecting the appropriate tools for your specific needs is crucial. Consider the technologies your application is built on, the types of tests you need to perform, and the skills of your team. An automation testing tutorial can guide you through the features and benefits of different tools, ensuring you make an informed decision.Sergey AlmyashevCOO, ZappleTech Inc.
Linear frameworks are the simplest, suitable for small projects with straightforward testing needs. Hybrid frameworks combine the best features of various types, offering flexibility and comprehensive test coverage. Data-driven frameworks separate test data from scripts, enabling the same script to run with multiple data sets. Keyword-driven frameworks use keywords to represent actions, making scripts more readable and easier to maintain. Modular frameworks break down applications into smaller, manageable modules, enhancing reusability.
Creating a robust platform for automation involves selecting the right framework that aligns with the project’s requirements and future-proofing the testing processes. This approach not only streamlines testing but also significantly reduces the time and effort needed for maintenance, making the overall testing process more efficient and reliable.
4. Planning and developing a strategy
5. Scripting and Testing
6. Script Maintenance
The main goal of script maintenance is to test new features added to a digital product. Technical support is necessary to maintain the effectiveness of updated automation scripts. Understanding what is automated testing is crucial in this context, as it involves continuously adapting the scripts to reflect changes in the application. A reliable framework reduces the probability of a maintenance call, ensuring that the automation process remains efficient and effective.
Script maintenance becomes necessary when the application is transformed, such as adding new functionalities or altering existing ones. The scripts are updated based on changes in the code, ensuring the smooth functioning of the software product. For example, if the application needs to support another language, such as German, the framework should allow quick script updates to ensure stable operation and effortless customization. An automation testing tutorial can provide practical examples and guidelines on how to effectively manage and update scripts to accommodate such changes.
Maintaining the scripts also involves regularly reviewing them to identify any redundant or outdated code. This ensures that the scripts remain efficient and do not slow down the testing process. Additionally, incorporating automated notifications for script failures or issues can help in promptly addressing and resolving problems, thereby maintaining the reliability of the automation framework.
Another critical aspect of script maintenance is ensuring that the test data remains relevant and up-to-date. This involves regularly updating the data sets used in the scripts to reflect any changes in the application’s functionality or user scenarios. An automation testing tutorial can offer insights into best practices for managing and updating test data effectively.
By focusing on these maintenance activities, companies can ensure that their automated testing efforts continue to provide accurate and reliable results, ultimately enhancing the quality and stability of their software products.
Key Features of Automated Testing:
- Reliability. Provides error-free results, as the human factor is eliminated.
- Regularity. Runs test cases continuously over a long period, checking each build of the target system.
- Speed. Testing is provided automatically, so it is much faster.
- Benefit. Saves time and effort of the project team, improves the quality of the developed functionality.
- Versatility. Implies re-running of tests in several steps.
- Relevance. Raises the status of an IT company for customers because such technologies ensure professional development and following global trends.
- Monetization. Benefits when the created tests are used as products of intellectual activity. The customer can buy technologies for the independent development of the project.
Automated Testing Tutorial: The Signal to Action
When all the steps are completed, it is necessary to define the basic metrics for analyzing the success of the validation. These include error rate, minimum time to release, customer satisfaction index, and employee performance improvement. Understanding what is automated testing helps in setting these metrics appropriately, ensuring they align with the overall goals of the testing process.
Automated testing technologies make it easier to test stable systems and can be combined with manual bug testing. This hybrid approach ensures comprehensive coverage and thorough validation of the software product. An automation testing tutorial can provide detailed guidance on how to effectively integrate automated and manual testing, maximizing the strengths of both approaches.
To achieve the best results, it is essential to continuously monitor and analyze the defined metrics. The error rate can indicate the effectiveness of the automated tests in identifying issues, while the minimum time to release helps in assessing the efficiency of the testing process. The customer satisfaction index provides insights into how well the product meets user expectations, and improvements in employee performance highlight the benefits of using automated testing tools.
Automated testing not only enhances the accuracy and reliability of tests but also significantly reduces the time and effort required for repetitive tasks. By leveraging these technologies, teams can focus more on exploratory testing and addressing complex issues that require human intuition and expertise.
We strive to use and improve automated testing technologies every day, ensuring that our systems remain robust and reliable. Are you ready to test a digital product with us? Dive into an automation testing tutorial to learn more about setting up your automated testing framework, understanding what is automated testing, and how it can transform your software validation process. Let’s ensure your digital product meets the highest standards of quality and performance.